Lesson 1
Theology
Proper
Who is
God?
Objective:
Is to increase our understanding of God.
Important: To have a clearer understanding of who God
is, that is what can we know about His
characteristics.
Our daily conduct is ultimately determined by our understanding
of who and what God is!
Basic Assumptions:
1. That God exists; that there is but one true God; YHWH
Isa. 43:10; 44:8; 45:5; Rom 1:19-20; Psa. 19;
2.
The Scriptures, Judeo - Christian Canon is God's revelation to us and that the
claims presented in it are true!
3.
These Scriptures are capable of being understood!
Preliminary considerations:
Prov. 1:7 - foundation
truth on which Proverbs rests!
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge"
1.
The Motto of Proverbs gives us the critique or measuring stick, to tell the
difference between the wise man and the fool.
What is the implication here?
2.
That the prerequisite for true knowledge is related to respect for the
authority of the Lord, for YHWH; for who He is!
3. This respect for the authority
of YHWH comes from the phrase, "the
fear of the Lord"
4. Consider this: How much true knowledge is really around out there
today?
* If we have not bowed to the authority of the Lord and His
Word, we can never come to true knowledge, never understand the Divine
viewpoint of life.
1 Cor
5. Pro. 1:7 also
noted a contrast; the one who failed to respect the authority of the Lord;
which includes respect for His revelation, it calls him a fool. Fools despise wisdom and instruction.
6. If its our desire to avoid bad decisions, sin, and the
consequences of foolishness day by day, living our lives according to God's
wisdom and instruction is our only hope.
Ø Pro. 1:24-32 This context actually expands on why
the fool is a fool and why it is so important to be one who fears the Lord.
1. The context
actually begins in
2. In vs:24-32 we have 2 major warnings:
- 1:24-28 = Warning about neglect of wisdom.
- 1:29-32 = Warning about rejection of truth.
3. In verses 1:24-28; Warning about neglect of
wisdom.
a.
accusation =
b.
punishment =
Without wisdom? Without the instruction from
God; and you still expect to come out okay? That's absurd!
4. In verses 1:29-32; Warning about rejection of truth.
a.
accusation 1:29-30;
There's no middle ground, no gray area here; those who do not respect
the Lord have registered a choice whether they recognize it or not; and it is
one of negative volition toward the Lord.
b. The Punishment vs:31-32 Fault not fate!
- They chose to not fear the Lord, to hate
knowledge, the wisdom that was so graciously calling to them and they are
satiated with their own way, their own devices or schemes.
c.
- 3 things; security, safety and peace of mind,
freedom from fear. - 3:21-26